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Window Repairs Can Save Homeowners Time and Money Window repairs can save time and money for homeowners. But, there are times when replacing windows that are old is more economical. Stray baseballs and thrown projectiles frequently cause holes or cracks in window glass. With the proper tools, these are simple solutions. However, if the window's frame is rotting it's recommended to replace the entire window. Broken or cracked glass A severe storm or a stray piece of debris from the lawnmowers, or your favorite vase set down too hard could crack the glass in your windows. Fortunately just a little time and effort can keep the cracks from getting any worse and reduce the expense of replacing glass. The first step in any repair is to remove the glass pane that has broken. Wearing gloves, carefully remove any molding, trim or glazing putty holding the glass in place. You may also need to use a utility knife to loosen any stubborn glass shards stuck in the frame or glazing. After removing the glass, clean the surface and any surrounding areas thoroughly. This will prevent the glue used to put the glass back in place from leaking, causing further damage. Make sure the glass is properly fitted. If the new piece is larger than the old one, you'll have to cut it down with circular saws or a miter saw. Once your surface is clean, find a glass adhesive that's specifically made for windows and follow the directions on how to apply it. Install the glass back inside your window sash. Avoid bending or moving the glass during this step; it can cause the crack to get deeper. You can also use products like Loctite Super Glue Glass, which will fill the crack and then seal it. It's designed to work with all types of glass including tinted windows. upvc window repairs of fix will not completely hide the crack. It is not suitable for windows that can be visible from the outside. Another option is epoxy, which is a little more time-consuming to apply, but will provide the strongest seal and will likely make your window glass that has been damaged nearly invisible. It is important to thoroughly clean the glass and surrounding area prior to applying epoxy. It is also important to be prepared to deal with any sudden weather changes that might cause the crack to grow and then widen again. If you're not confident using these DIY techniques, or if your cracked glass is very large or two-paned, it's recommended to consult a professional. Sashes that won't open A window that doesn't stay up for long can be more than just an inconvenience; it could also be a risk. Double-hung and single-hung windows have balancing mechanisms to assist in stopping the sash from moving upwards and down within the jambs. However the mechanism may be damaged or removed. Check the pivot bar and balance shoes to determine whether either of them has dislodged. You'll need to replace the pivot bar and balance shoe if they've been dislodged. Moisture can trigger cycles of expansion and contraction in the frames of sash windows made of timber. Over time, this can loosen the joints of the frame and cause them to stick. You might be able to fix this without removing the window by running a utility knife around the frame's joints and slicing them open. If the wood appears swollen, this is often due to a lack of flashing on the exterior of your home which allows water to soak the frame. Another common reason for windows that don't open is a sash cord that has snapped. You can try to re-attach the cord by pulling it back (pliers might be beneficial) and then sliding the sash back to its original position. If the cord has snapped completely, you'll need to replace it. Paint can cause a window to be bind and be difficult to move. If the sash channel on double-hung windows has been painted shut, you may be capable of breaking the bond with a utility blade and sliding it. If this doesn't work then you'll have to take off the window sash and then cut the seam on both sides between the sash, stop, parting strip or jamb (Photo 1). Sash shoes for single-hung windows can be made of plastic or metal. They feature a U-shaped slot inside them that is locked when the shoe is placed in its normal position within the sash. To unlock the shoe using a screwdriver, turn the slot sideways by following the image 2. Then, slide the sash upwards and down again and see whether the window functions normally. Rotting Wood Wood rot isn't just unsightly and aesthetically pleasing, it is a serious danger to the structural integrity of the part of the house it's infiltrating. The fungus responsible for it feeds on moisture and transforms wood beams, walls, and joists to a wet mucus. To prevent rot you must ensure that your home is maintained and areas exposed to the elements are secured. However, even when you're diligent, it only takes one mishap with the painting process, clogged gutter or a minor leak in the roof to expose the window frames, porch columns and other components of your home to a variety of decay-related organisms that could quickly destroy the structure and weaken its stability. The majority of wood decay is the result of excessive moisture content, which can be caused by rainwater seepage, condensation or rising dampness. This can occur when damp proofing isn't installed or is damaged, or when internal materials such as plaster and drywall are affected by leaky pipes, appliances or fixtures. The first step in repairing decay is to remove the old material. It's usually simple to do with a pry-bar however the combination of hammer and chisel could be required for the most difficult areas. After the rotten wood has been removed, the gap has to be filled and caulked. There are many types of wood fillers. The most suitable one will depend on how much work you want to do and the depth of the hole. If the rot is just too deep for a simple filler, then you'll need to replace the damaged area. This can be accomplished by hiring a professional or by doing it yourself. This is a more complicated project that requires a carpentry expert to complete. If you are unsure about your DIY abilities It is recommended to seek out an expert. Repairing rotting wood can be done however it is simpler (and less expensive) to prevent the problem in the first place. The best preventative measures are to seal cracks around windows scraping and repainting caulk, and installing drip edges on the roof to prevent water from splashing onto exterior trim. You should also look for signs of excessive humidity around your window and consider installing a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels under control. Dirty Seals Probably the most obvious sign of shrinking window seals is the water that drips from or under a window. It's possible to spot, but it's often hidden behind a wall. This can lead to soft wood, mould and even structural damages in your RV. The best way to protect your windows is to keep them clean by performing regular inspection and cleaning. Gently pressing against the seal trim and visual inspection can help you find soft spots before they can cause water damage. Windows that are stained with fog are another sign of a leaking seal. Although they may not cause structural damage or increase your power bill, they can take away from the appearance of your RV. The weather plays a significant role in the failure of window seals. In hot temperatures, seals expand while in colder temperatures, they shrink. You can lessen the impact by keeping your camper out of direct sunlight and keeping it under cover whenever possible. A simple car wash can assist in preventing the salt from damaging the seals of your window. Other causes of window seal failure are scrubbing the seals using brushes and washrags that contain cleaning chemicals that break down the rubber. This can make the seals brittle and prone to cracking. Avoid harsh cleaners and keep your window seals and sash tracks tidy with a clean toothbrush. Doing these maintenance routines is the least expensive and most efficient method to safeguard your RV's windows. This will also give you the opportunity to check the seals on your windows and make any needed repairs. It's more expensive have your window seals lubricated or replaced with 303 Protectant spray, however it's still less expensive than fixing the water damage caused by poor sealing. If you are willing to invest just a few hours and time, then this is a DIY project that can prolong the lifespan of your RV's windows, and save you money in the long term.